Hudson

by Joanne Sexton

  “Yes, here are the details.”

  She handed him the now damp pages which she’d been clutching as she mooned over his son. He looked over them for a moment before meeting her eyes.

  “Looks okay to me, would you like to make an offer.”

  “Yes!”

  A similar amused grin lifted his lips. A smile similar to the one she witnessed momentarily on his son.

  “I’ll organise it for you.”

  “Thank you, Harrison. I really appreciate all you’ve done for me.”

  “You’re welcome, you’ve been through a difficult time and it’s the least I can do.”

  “There is one other thing you could do for me.”

  “Shoot.”

  “Can I ask which son just visited you?” He laughed heartily, a slightly higher tone than his son’s.

  “Nathan, he’s a law student. He’s very ambitious, like his father.” Lines crinkled around his eyes when he smiled.

  “Um, I know this probably isn’t appropriate, um, is he seeing anyone?”

  “Not that I’m aware of.”

  “Could you … I mean … I would like to meet … I mean see him …a gain.” What was wrong with her?

  “Well, it isn’t exactly ethical, you’re my client …”

  “Of course. I’m sorry.” He laughed again.

  “I was kidding. He seemed to have a lot of questions about you too.”

  “He did?”

  “Yes, but I definitely couldn’t divulge anything personal to him about you, of course.”

  “Of course.”

  “If I had your permission, there would be no reason why I couldn’t give him your number, if you wanted me to that is.”

  “Yes.”

  “You can think about it if you want.”

  She shook her head. “Nothing to think about.”

  5

  Ambition and Lust

  Lucas’ eighteenth birthday welcomed him early with a sharp rap on his bedroom door and was proceeded by the entry of Carrie carrying a tray full of breakfast.

  “I hope you don’t mind,” she said. “I wanted to keep up the tradition.”

  Since they were both about five Mabel had always delivered breakfast in bed on their birthday. Carrie’s thoughtful gesture caused a tug at his lips and he offered a small smile. It brought happy memories and caused only a little pain.

  “No, it’s nice, thanks.”

  “Happy birthday, Lucky.” He offered her a small frown at the endearment which she ignored.

  “Thanks.”

  “I got you this.”

  “Carrie, you don’t have to buy me presents.”

  “I wanted to. Open it.”

  Inside the neatly wrapped gold paper lay a black leather-bound journal, his initials LAH etched into the front in gold.

  “I thought you might want to write down your thoughts, a timeline of your life so to speak.”

  “It’s nice, thanks, nothing else though, okay? I don’t want a fuss. The breakfast is great but nothing else.”

  “Okay I get it, nothing else.” She smiled.

  He tucked into his breakfast. Carrie continued to stare at him.

  “What?”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to do something today?”

  “I have stuff to do.”

  “Like what?”

  “Stuff. Reading, the gym, you know, usual stuff.”

  “It’s your birthday. Don’t you want to do something different?”

  “No.”

  “If you change your mind ...”

  “I won’t, thanks for this.” She shrugged.

  He certainly did have something to do today but he wasn’t telling Carrie what it was. He was personally taking his application to the police academy. He hoped this would speed things up a little. Then he was going to the gym. He’d noticed a considerable change in his appearance of late and he was beginning to fill out nicely. He was pleased with the results. His gangly boyish physique was no longer present in the mirror, now he could see the makings of a man.

  He glanced at the journal Carrie had so thoughtfully picked out for him. It wouldn’t do any harm to write down his thoughts. Maybe it would help. The nightmares hadn’t stopped, slowed down in frequency, to one or two a week, but hadn’t stopped. His unconscious continually returning him to the night he was pushing thoughts about aside during the day. Seeing them vividly, happy and alive, in sleep, was just as painful, perhaps more so. The dream he was in, when Carrie thankfully woke him, had been a particularly bad one. His birthday brought forth memories of happy times and tormented him in slumber.

  It was time to inflict physical pain, it always seemed to help.

  After dropping off his application, he went straight to the gym. He pounded and strained through his rotation and was completing his final set when he spotted her.

  Her short, petite, tight body was what caught his attention first. She stood across the room with her back to him and he felt an instant attraction to her perfect physique. Her light golden brown hair was tied up although still hung midway down her back. When she finally turned in his direction lust overcame him. Her soft petite features and full mouth, along with her electric blue eyes was breathtaking. His blatant inexperience oozed off him as he stared, but he couldn’t turn away. Since Stacy, his frame of mind and the black cloud of grief had pushed sex far from his mind. He instantly wanted to change that.

  “Hi,” she was standing in front of him now. “Couldn’t help but notice your ... interest. My name’s Millie.” She stuck out a delicate manicured hand.

  “Um, Lucas.” He wiped his hand before taking hers.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah.” He had no idea what to say. Stacy had been the first and only girl.

  “How old are you?” she asked and he was pleased to hear no infliction.

  “I’m eighteen, today actually.”

  “Oh, you don’t look it. I would have guessed you were more my age, I’m twenty two.” He shrugged and smiled shyly. “Have you finished your work out?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You don’t say much do you?”

  “Not really.”

  “Would you … um, like to …”

  “Yes.”

  They met out the front after showering and changing. She looked delicious in jeans and a tight fitting t-shirt. Her hair was down and as he’d assumed it was very long and straight. An uncontrollable urge to run his fingers through it overcame him. He missed girls, Stacy mostly, but girls in general.

  “I don’t usually do this and realize that is probably the standard line used by girls that do but here goes, do you want to come to my place? There’s no-one there and—”

  “Yes.” He stepped forward and caressed her hair. It was as soft and silky as it looked. “I … have only been with one girl.”

  “It’s okay. This is all pretty new for me too. I don’t usually pick up guys at the gym, or anywhere for that matter. There’s something about you. I was drawn to you and seeing it’s your birthday …”

  “It’s probably because I was staring at you.”

  “That might have a little to do with it.”

  He followed her to her car and she made small talk on the short trip to her house. Nervousness overcame him again and this time for a totally different reason. He knew what to expect this time, however, she was older, maybe more experienced and he was suddenly afraid of what she would think.

  “Don’t look so worried. I won’t bite.”

  She guided him into the house and her bedroom, removing his t-shirt on the way. Her tiny hands run over his chest, shoulders and arms, exploring his new stronger body.

  “Wow, you’re really toned for a guy your age.”

  He shrugged. “I spend a lot of time at the gym. I’m hoping to get into the force and want to be as fit as I can.”

  “It shows.”

  He couldn’t wait any longer. Lifting her off her feet, Lucas wrapped her in his arms and kissed her with
all the fire and passion he’d been holding inside for what seemed like an eternity.

  Their clothes disappeared with haste and he carried her to bed. He explored her firm lithe body and relished in the feel of her silken skin. Her breasts, although small, were pert with rosy bud nipples which he sought out with his tongue.

  Millie took control and sat astride him, easing him inside of her and it took all his control to sustain and not finish right then and there. Watching her take them to the brink and back was his undoing and he sat up to meet her as they reached the peak of desire.

  She came to lie next to him and idly trailed her fingers across his chest and stomach while he tried to catch his breath.

  “Wow,” he breathed out.

  He waited a few moments before he began to kiss her again, trailing them down her body.

  “Again?” she asked.

  “This time it’s my turn.”

  It was dark outside when he roused. He must have dozed off. Millie was sprawled delicately across him in slumber. He eased himself from under her, dressed quietly and then checked the time to find it was late, after eleven. Carrie was going to freak. She obviously didn’t dictate a curfew but he knew she’d be worried about him. Millie stirred and opened her eyes.

  “You don’t have to sneak out, there are no strings.”

  “I know. I didn’t want to disturb you.”

  “Maybe I’ll see you around.” She smiled. “Happy birthday.”

  “Thanks, you were a great present.”

  She smiled again, a soft pretty smile. “You’re welcome.”

  Thankfully she lived within walking distance and he enjoyed the stroll home. His afternoon and evening with Ally had been incredible, not the same beautiful experience he’d had with Stacy, but great nonetheless. Now he just had to face his sister.

  20th June

  I decided today was the best day to start writing down ‘my thoughts’. Carrie’s gift surprised me but maybe it will help. I’m not much of a writer and I’m still not really sure what to write about but here goes.

  Carrie wasn’t too upset when I got home at least. After her initial rant about how I shouldn’t worry her that way, it died off quick. I apologised and kissed her on the cheek and that made her happy.

  Today two things happened. I dropped off my application to the academy and I hope to hear soon that I’ve been accepted. I know this is what I want to do now. I want to get justice for people, the justice Carrie and I have yet to receive. Maybe taking criminals off the streets will help drive away my demons. Something needs to help stop the nightmares.

  At least there was Millie today, something good for the first time in months. I miss Stacy but can’t go back there, but sex today helped relax me and was just what I needed to distract me and stop me thinking about other birthdays, birthdays when they were still here. I can’t stop remembering mum the last time I saw her, bloody and dead. I wish I could remember her smiling. At least today had a happy ending.

  6

  First Date

  Carrie added the finishing touches to her face and then smiled with excitement. She’d been to see Harrison on two occasions since their first meeting to finalise the purchase of her salon and yet there had been no further sightings of Nathan. He had finally called after two weeks of anxious waiting. Closure on the sale would be finalised the following week and then preparations could begin on the fittings ready for trade. Carrie was filled with anticipation and anxiety over the project.

  Tonight Nathan was taking her to dinner and her anticipation grew as each minute passed. Never before on a date had she ever been so overcome with apprehension. When he called, they’d spoken at length and she was worried she would have nothing new to bring to their date. Talking on the phone had been much easier than face to face. She was afraid she would become tongue-tied all over again.

  As usual, Lucas was holed up in his room but at least she knew where he was and that he was safe. She’d moved on as best she could but she still worried when he came home late, she still thought the worst until he walked through the door. The night of his birthday she’d being going crazy with concern. If he’d phoned it would have been fine and she wouldn’t have worried, well not as much anyway. He hadn’t informed her where he’d been and she didn’t ask. Since that one late evening home, he only went to the gym and the library after that. She didn’t have to or want to worry about him tonight.

  She walked towards his room, to find the door shut, which was usual now, and knocked on the door. She walked straight in as she also didn’t wait for an answer anymore.

  “I’m going out,” she told him.

  “Okay.”

  “Will you be alright?”

  “Yes, Carrie, I’m fine.” Fine. This was exactly the reason why she worried about him, he was always just fine. Not tonight, she wouldn’t tonight.

  “There’s some leftovers in the fridge if you get hungry.”

  “Have fun.”

  The doorbell rang as she left his room and she took her time answering, couldn’t appear eager, no matter how much she was. Nathan was unlike any man she’d ever met before. Fun, kind and gorgeous, he was the epitome of her perfect man, thus far.

  He looked fantastic, his dark pants, pale blue shirt and tie in mixtures of blue complemented his eyes perfectly. In his hands were flowers and he wore that smile, the one that stole the words from her mouth on their first meeting. The amused grin, as though there was something funny that only he was privy too.

  The effect was the same, she was dumbstruck.

  Nathan checked his reflection one final time as he headed out the door. His mother had been hovering, asking endless questions, however Nathan was keeping information about Carrie close to his chest for now. She was special, he knew this already, and her vivaciousness and beauty had drawn him in. Although she was shy, for lack of better word, on their first meeting, he’d soon discovered her vibrant personality on the phone.

  He smiled as he remembered that day in his father’s office. He noticed her much before she did him. What struck him first was her wonderful red hair, the colour of garnets, and as she jiggled her legs, her curls bounced around. Her legs were long and lean and he thought at the time, she was probably tall. Using the interruption of her appointment as a reason to speak with her, he recalled now when her large hazel, almost golden like amber, eyes met his. Seeing them and her up close took his breath away. He’d somehow managed to maintain his composure. Much to his delight, she hadn’t.

  He’d asked his father about her and all he could give her, which Nathan certainly understood being a law student, was her name. He could have asked her for her number himself as he left, but he secretly wanted to know if the electricity he’d experienced was returned. When his father gave him her number, he was thrilled but somehow he'd controlled the urge to call her immediately. He didn’t want to scare her off with his overzealous nature.

  Now he was waiting at her front door, nervous. He smiled as he reminisced about her awkwardness at their meeting.

  How he managed to breathe when she opened the door was beyond comprehension. Her hair was piled on her head, red tendrils escaping and flowing. Her eyes sparkling gold and her lips a shiny red. Her dress was black and flowing and she was absolutely beautiful.

  “Hi, these are for you.” He passed the flowers to her, surprised at his ability to speak.

  “Thanks, they’re beautiful.” She smiled which made the gesture worthwhile. “Come in while I put them in water. Would you like a drink?”

  “Sure.”

  She returned carrying the flowers in a vase and a glass of red wine, which happened to be his preference. She handed it to him before disappearing and returning with her own.

  “Hope that’s okay, it was that or water and seeing it’s a date, I thought wine ...”

  She stopped. He smirked. She was rambling again.

  “It’s great, thanks.”

  They sat awkwardly yet somehow comfortably together on the couch. Her
legs were jiggling again and he realised she was as nervous as he was. Instinctively he rested a hand on her knee to relax her. Her golden eyes met his. Is it too soon to kiss her?

  Nathan placed his glass on the table, left his hand resting on her knee and lifted his free hand to play with an escaped curl. Her breath caught and he couldn’t resist, he kissed her gently, and then gazed into her eyes, seeking her permission. A fire had gone into them and they were brighter, lighter somehow.

  “Would you like to go?” He asked not really wanting to.

  “Sure, I’m a little hungry.”

  They sat for a few moments until he took her hand and brought her with him as he stood.

  “I made reservations for a restaurant not far from here, would you like to walk?”

  “Sure.”

  Nathan didn’t let go of her hand as they walked and was disappointed when they arrived and were seated. He missed the smooth feel of her hand in his and looked forward to holding it again.

  Once they ordered drinks, Nathan wondered how to begin the conversation, break the chemistry for a short while so they could enjoy each other’s company and dinner, plenty of time to reignite the fire later.

  “Carrie,” he decided to try a subject he thought to be safe. “Tell me about your family.”

  At first her face appeared sad, almost pained and he regretted asking for a moment until she answered. Then his heart gave out for her.

  “It’s just Lucas, my brother and I. Our parents were ... they died.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I should never have asked.”

  “It’s okay, you didn’t know. That’s why I needed a lawyer. To sort out their affairs and your dad has been wonderful ever since.”

  “Yeah, he’s a good man, we’re lucky.” He said with a smile.

  “Please tell me more about your family.”

  “Are you sure, I mean ...”

  “Yes, it’s okay. I’m dealing with it best I can. Lucas is another story and definitely for another time.” She smiled and Nathan’s heart melted.

  “I have two younger brothers, Mitchell has just finished school and much to my parents ... annoyance has no idea what he wants to do. Mitch is outgoing and laid back and doesn’t take life all that seriously. Jared on the other hand is the opposite. He already knows exactly what he wants in life and he’ll get it too. Mitch constantly teases Jared because he’s so serious all the time. Jared’s kind and compassionate nature balances him out. Even though I’m the eldest, I’m kind of a go between with them when they fight. I guess I’m a lot like Dad, which is why I want to be a lawyer. I’m diplomatic. I aim to be a prosecutor, which is a little different from the law dad practices. Sorry, I’m dominating conversation here.”